In what situation would appellate jurisdiction be exercised?

Appellate jurisdiction is specifically concerned with the authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts. The primary function of appellate courts is to assess whether the law was applied correctly and whether proper procedures were followed in the lower courts. This often involves examining the evidence presented, the legal standards applied, and the overall conduct of the trial to ensure a fair process.

In contrast, the other situations outlined do not fit the description of appellate jurisdiction. When a case is being heard for the first time, it falls under original jurisdiction, where the facts are established and evidence is presented. Disputes arising in civil cases can be part of either original or appellate jurisdiction, depending on the stage of the case. Finally, when laws are created through legislative action, it relates to the legislative process rather than to court jurisdiction. Therefore, the exercise of appellate jurisdiction specifically occurs when a court reviews a lower court's decision.